Timothy Latterner, a retired FBI special agent and current training instructor with the FBI’s New York office, is presenting data on active shooter incidents during a active shooting training with Manhattan University students.
ARIANA CARIDDO / COURTSEY
Ariana Cariddo, Staff Writer
Manhattan University’s (MU) Department of Public Safety co-sponsored an active shooter preparedness training session with Student Engagement on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in Smith Auditorium. The one-hour session featured Timothy Latterner, a retired FBI special agent and current training instructor with the FBI’s New York Office, who discussed how individuals can prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
The training was designed to help students recognize potential dangers and make fast decisions during emergencies, whether they are on campus or in public spaces. Latterner emphasized the importance of situational awareness, encouraging students to find the nearest exit or alternative escape routes whenever entering a building. He also expressed the importance of thinking about what to do in an emergency before it happens, and creating a primary plan of action in the case of an emergency.
Latterner explained how people initially struggle with identifying if they are in a state of emergency, sometimes assuming that a dangerous situation is actually not happening at all. He expressed the importance of not taking the time to gather all their belongings or waiting for everyone to react, as he explained during the presentation, prioritizing the importance of timing and safety in dangerous situations.
“You can always come back; you can always come back and make calls; you always come back to get your laptop, but you can’t turn back the clock.” Latterner said.
Latterner further explained the importance of recognizing concerning behaviors. He highlighted the value of being able to pick up warning signs that someone, or something, is not safe and should be reported immediately. He explained that being aware of the people around you can help individuals notice changes that might otherwise go unnoticed, further emphasizing the importance of speaking up when someone is noticing worrying behavior. He stressed that if you see something suspicious, don’t wait for someone else to say something because then it could be too late.
“You don’t bring someone’s attention,” Latterner said. “You’re assuming someone else is.”
This training was organized to help students better understand these safety measures. Willaim Cook, MU’s Director of Public Safety, said he wanted to host this training for some time to help students feel more prepared for emergencies. He shared that MU previously hosted Latterner for a presentation for faculty and staff in June, which received positive feedback and prompted calls to offer the training to students as well. Cook described Latterner’s approach to the training with The Quadrangle.
“He just tries to empower you,” Cook said.
Kathryn Joy, a freshman health sciences major, attended the training and found it helpful in easing some of her concerns about how to prepare for a dangerous situation.
“It taught me how to be more observant in everyday life and situations, and [how] to better prepare [myself] for when and if a dangerous situation occurs,” Joy said.
Cook emphasized that students should take precautions both on and off campus, including staying with friends, charging phones before going out and notifying someone when going off by themselves. He also encourages students to notify MU’s Public Safety when anything makes students uncomfortable.
“If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, let us know,” Cook said.
Cook encouraged students to take an active role in their own safety by staying aware of their surroundings and reporting concerns to public safety. Through the training, MU hopes to give students the training and tools they need to respond to emergencies and make informed decisions when their safety is at risk.
*Editor’s note: Sarah Rolka contributed to reporting.